Life After Sentences in Penal Colonies

The video discusses the law of doublage, established in 1854, which governed the convict system in French Guiana. Convicts with sentences of seven years or less had to serve an equal number of years as libérés, while those with longer sentences were to remain in the colony for life. The bureaucratic system reclassified convicts as 'free men' but kept them trapped in a new administrative category, highlighting their lack of freedom. The libérés, despite serving their time, were not allowed to return home, illustrating the harsh realities of the penal system.

What was the primary purpose of the law of doublage introduced in 1854?

• To reduce the number of convicts sent to French Guiana

• To provide convicts with educational opportunities

• To establish a system for convict labor in French Guiana

• To allow convicts to return home after serving half their sentence

How were convicts with sentences longer than seven years treated under the system?

• They were allowed to return home after serving half their sentence

• They were required to spend the rest of their lives in the colony as 'free men'

• They were transferred to another colony

• They were given the option to work for reduced sentences

What did the term 'free man' signify in the context of the penal colony?

• A convict who was pardoned by the authorities

• A convict who had completed their sentence and was free to leave

• A convict who was given a new administrative status but remained under control

• A convict who was allowed to work outside the colony

What happened to convicts after they completed their sentences in the penal colony?

• They were immediately released and allowed to return home

• They were reclassified into a new category and remained in the system

• They were given a choice to stay or leave the colony

• They were transferred to another penal colony

What does the reclassification of convicts signify in the penal system?

• A chance for convicts to start a new life

• A continuation of control over the convicts

• An opportunity for convicts to gain employment

• A reduction in the number of convicts in the colony

Who were the 'libérés' in the context of the French Guiana convict system?

• Convicts who had escaped the colony

• Convicts who were given special privileges

• Convicts who had served their time but were not allowed to return home

• Convicts who were transferred to another colony

What was the main issue faced by the 'libérés' after serving their sentences?

• They were not allowed to return to their homeland

• They were forced to work without pay

• They were denied basic human rights

• They were not given any identity documents